Details of the long-anticipated opening of our new boat ramp facilities in Rhyll have now been released. A family-friendly festival will coincide with the opening, set for Saturday 17th September.

The RPIAC clubhouse will be open from 10 am and throughout the day, offering refreshments, a free sausage sizzle and live music. The festival will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase RPIAC to our community, advertise our new free junior membership option, and encourage junior participation in the club.

On top of the club’s activities, there will be free fishing clinics available for kids, flare demonstrations, visitors from VFA, WIRF & Better Boating, as well as market stalls and food trucks along the Rhyll foreshore. Plus, you’ll also be able to check out the redeveloped Rhyll boat ramp and the new pontoons, which will be open to boaters in time for the big day.

To find out more and register for a fishing clinic, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/rhyllopening

Hello and a warm welcome to all members on the eve of another upcoming fishing season at the Rhyll Phillip Island Angling Club.

Our first competition is scheduled for September 23rd/24th and we hope the big snapper have arrived in the bay by then. The Sunday dinner after the Weigh Ins have been great fun over the past few years and everyone is welcome to join the comradery around the club after a weekend of fishing. The competition is becoming more competitive, which we have seen in the number of fish being weighed in at the Club over the past 3 years. Hopefully this trend continues and there will be some good competition for the title of Club Champion.

Thanks to Noel Macklin and Norm Trickey who will again offer their time and assistance in the weigh in room on competition weekends. Alongside them this year will be our new Club Captain Sam Orr. Sam’s experience and knowledge of Westernport will be an asset to our current and new members who seek valuable fishing advice throughout the season.

Over the past month the Club Rooms received some fantastic improvements and upgrades, which has really given the rooms a fresh look. It has been encouraging for everyone who helped during the renovations to receive positive feedback from members and guests who have seen its new facelift. We thank the contractors for their hard work to complete the improvements in such a limited time frame.

I would personally like to thank Vice President Len Bates and Treasurer Dave Fusinato for all the effort and time they volunteered in the completion of the rooms. Well Done.

Your Committee for this year is:
President – Daniel McCausland
Vice President – Len Bates
Vice President – Peter Kirwan
Treasurer – Dave Fusinato
Secretary – Jill Trickey
Committee Members: Albert Abram, Rick DiFuccio, Noel Macklin, Sam Orr, Len Petch, Mick Toovey and Norm Trickey.

We welcome Albert Abram to this year’s committee and look forward to his contribution. Sadly, we farewell Ralph Leditschke from the committee. We thank Ralph for his time, effort and laughter he contributed to the committee over the past 7 years. Vinnie Vale will continue as Bar Manager this year and we look forward to that big smile and friendly service he offers.

Enclosed is the Competition Dates for 2017/2018 and the Fishing Rules and Regulations. Over the coming weeks and months the Club’s Secretary Jill Trickey will continue to inform us on upcoming news and events around the club via email and our ever improving Webpage.

Good Luck to everyone fishing this season. We hope everyone catches the big one and stays safe on the water. Looking forward to hearing plenty of fishing tales over a cold one at our great club.

Cheers President Daniel McCausland.
P